Kunle Adelabu
Exactly 16 years after his death, residents of Igbogbo have remembered the late representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. (Chief) Rotimi Olasiji Sotomiwa, who died after a protracted illness while serving as a state legislator.
Hon. Sotomiwa died in the early hours of November 2nd, 2010.
He was the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties.
He died shortly after celebrating his 50th birthday which he was about to mark with an unprecedented mega empowerment for his constituents.
The death of late Hon. Sotomiwa, who was then the Amuludun of Igbogbo Kingdom and Asiwaju Eleluku of the land among other traditional titles that were bestowed on him, came as a rude shock to the people of Igbogbo, Ikorodu Constituency II, Ikorodu Division, Lagos State House of Assembly and the entire Lagos State Government.
He was accorded a state and community burial for his services and impacts within the short time that he served, and for his contributions to traditional and cultural development, a commitment he maintained while serving his people through his cultural songs.
The Lagos Assembly held a special session in his memory with his remains stationed in the middle of the old Assembly Chamber while the emotional session lasted.
His burial service was held at the Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Igbogbo, and was attended by the then Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, forner Senator representing Lagos East, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora among other state functionaries, lawmakers, political leaders and other eminent personalities.
Gbenga Sotomiwa, in rememberabce of the late lawmaker whom was well loved while alive, had posted on Itesiwaju Igbogbo WhatsApp platform:
”Exactly 16 years ago, we lost a grassroots mobiliser, astute politician and distinguished personality, Hon. Rotimi Olasiji Sotomiwa who was then a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency II”.
Prince Rotimi Enitan, in his reaction, prayed for the repose of the late lawmaker’s soul.
”May his gentle soul rest in peace “.
Also responding, Kolejo Lawal said:
”Continue to rest in eternal peace, Sir !
A blessed memory of Hon. Rotimi Olasoji Sotomiwa”.
Princess Saidat Oba, Councilor in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, also contributing, wrote:
”May his soul rest in peace”.
Another resident, Shittabey Abiodun, also wrote:
”May his gentle and remorseful soul continue to rest in perfect peace and found solace in the presence of ALMIGHTY GOD, till we meet to part no more”.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ogunyemi Sefiu (Lobito), in his own reaction, wrote:
”May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace”.
